Public Statements

Politico: Don't Ask Don't Tell Tuesday

Press Release

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Penn.), an Iraq War vet who is leading the charge for the repeal of Dont' Ask Don't Tell in the armed forces, will set up shop on the House floor tonight to make the case for allowing gays and lesbians to come out in uniform.

Murphy will be joined by some of the 176 co-sponsors of his H.R. 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would overturn the Clinton-era policy, which many Democrats say is outdated and disciminatory.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) is the lone Republican to sign on to the bill.

LGBT advocates have been frustrated with President Obama's unwillingness to push for a quick repeal -- and about 90 House liberals have balked at Speaker Nancy Pelosi's piecemeal approach to gay rights, supporting a measure to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

The speaker backs the repeal but is likely to press for it in 2010, House Democrats say, opting to press ahead more quickly with the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which is likely to garner more widespread support.